Are you looking for a SUP board with more performance? Then a SUP hardboard is the right choice! Although the boards are a little unwieldy and difficult to transport, they outperform any inflatable paddle board.
What is important when buying a hard SUP board:
We present the 5 most popular SUP hardboards 2024 in our recommendations. Our Checklist and guide explain what is important when buying and what makes a SUP hardboard.
Contents:
- Top picks: The best SUP hardboards 2024 reviewed.
- Checklist: These features are important.
- Bestsellers: Overview of the most popular SUP hardboards.
- Guide: What you should know when buying a SUP hardboard.
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about SUP hardboards.
The best SUP hardboards 2024 reviewed
Fancy more performance? Then one of these SUP hardboards is the right choice:
1. the best long SUP hardboard
This board measures 320 x 79 x 11 cm, but is also available in a smaller version. It is supplied including fin and leash.
Why we like it: The board from Runga comes in a very chic wood-look design. It impresses with its high tipping stability and non-slip base. It can also be used to achieve high speeds. This makes it a good all-rounder.
Recommended for: The larger version of the board is designed for a weight of up to 103 kg. It can be used well in the surf, as well as on rivers and lakes for calmer but also sporty tours.
2. the best SUP hardboard for adults
This board has a size of 287 x 81 cm and a height of 12 cm. With a weight of 9.5 kilograms, it is still easy to carry. The scope of delivery includes the 3-piece fin rope and a leash.
Why we like it: Buyers of this hardboard can look forward to a great finish and very good running characteristics. It is stable and a good all-rounder thanks to its shape and low weight.
Recommended for: This board is not only suitable for advanced riders, but also for beginners.
3. the best SUP hardboard for beginners
This board is supplied including fin and leash. It is 287 cm long, 81 cm wide and 12 cm high. With a weight of 9.8 kilograms, it is one of the lighter models.
Why we like it: One plus point of the board is the large, non-slip standing surface. In combination with the high degree of tipping stability, it is ideal for beginners to the SUP sport. It also looks great thanks to its bamboo and wood design.
Recommended for: This board is a comfortable, all-purpose board for beginners, but advanced riders will also enjoy it.
4. the best SUP hardboard for advanced riders
This board offers a high degree of flexibility and is a real all-rounder. It is 273 cm long, 76 cm wide and 11.5 cm high. It has a volume of 161 liters and weighs 10.45 kilograms. Fin and leash are included with the purchase of the board.
Why we like it: This board combines high-quality workmanship with high durability and a beautiful design. Thanks to the even volume distribution and a balanced outline, it rides well in flat water, but also in smaller waves. It glides well, offers a secure footing and achieves good speeds.
Recommended for: Due to its load capacity of up to 130 kg, the board can also carry two people at the same time.
5. the best SUP hardboard made of bamboo/wood
This board with bamboo veneer measures 286 x 81.5 cm and is 12 cm thick. It weighs 12.15 kilograms and is supplied with a bag, fin and leash.
Why we like it: As the board is made of bamboo, it is not only lightweight but also very durable. It is stable on the water and scores with good gliding properties. The colorful design with flowers is also impressive.
Recommended for: The board is suitable for flat water as well as for smaller waves. It can also be kept under control by beginners. It is compact and very well-balanced, making it suitable for both light and heavier riders.
Even more interesting recommendations and guides:
- Inflatable paddle boards
- All-round SUP boards
- Hardboard SUP
- Race SUP Boards
- Surf SUP Boards
- SUP board with dog
- Touring SUP Boards
- Yoga SUP Boards
- WindSUP Boards
- SUP Board comparison
SUP hardboard Checklist: These features are important
- Type: There are different categories of hard SUP boards, which differ in their riding characteristics and area of use:
- Allround
- Touring
- Race
- Downwind
- Surf
- Shape: The shape of the SUP board is directly related to the type. While inflatable boards usually have the same thickness, hardboards can take on very different shapes.
Hardboards differ from each other in the following factors:
- Rocker
- Nose
- Tail
- Rails
- Outline
- Underside
- Material: As the name suggests, hardboards are made from hard materials such as fiberglass, epoxy, wood or carbon. These materials ensure the excellent rigidity and gliding properties of the board. Many boards are made by hand, others are milled by machine.
- Load capacity or body weight of the paddler: Hardboards have a very high buoyancy, which is much better than that of inflatable paddle boards of the same size. Instead of the maximum load capacity, it is often stated up to what body weight a SUP hardboard is suitable.
- Fins: In principle, paddle board fins are no different from hardboards and inflatable paddle boards. As hardboards can be much more customized, manufacturers usually also offer a large selection of fins.
- Portability In terms of portability, hardboards are inferior to inflatable boards. The hardboard cannot simply be rolled up, but has to be strapped to the roof of the car for transportation. If you don’t want to store your board in your home, you need a garage or cellar.
- Features: With hardboards, the features are adapted to the board, so a surf hardboard SUP will not have a luggage net as it is not needed for surfing. What is present on every hardboard is the non-slip standing surface.
- Scope of delivery:Unlike inflatable paddle boards, SUP hardboards are rarely sold as a set. Anyone who buys a hardboard usually knows exactly what they want to do with it. Many advanced users already own accessories or would like to customize their accessories to their needs.
- Care: Care plays an important role with hardboards. The boards should never be left in the sun, always rinsed with fresh water and transported in a board bag
Also interesting: The most popular inflatable SUP boards 2024.
Bestsellers: The most popular SUP hardboards on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy a SUP hardboard:
How to make the right decision
Even though inflatable SUP boards dominate the market, hard SUP boards are very popular with advanced and professional riders. Here you can find out what to look out for when buying a SUP hardboard.
Advantages and disadvantages of SUP hardboards
What are the advantages and disadvantages of SUP hardboards compared to inflatable SUP boards?
- Best performance and gliding properties
- Lies deeper and more stable in the water
- 20-25 % faster than inflatable SUP boards
- Takes up a lot of space
- More difficult to transport and store
- High price
- Higher risk of injury
SUP hardboards undisputedly deliver the best performance on the water. The firm material ensures top rigidity and ideal gliding properties. The hard boards are also deeper and more stable in the water. SUP hardboards are the best choice for SUP races in particular, as they can be paddled 20-25% faster than inflatable boards.
However, a hard SUP board is also a commitment, because the boards take up a lot of space and cannot simply be rolled up. This means that a car is needed for transportation and enough space for storage. SUP hardboards are also usually significantly more expensive than iSUPs.
The higher risk of injury should also be mentioned, as it is possible to fall onto the board and injure yourself in the event of a fall.
What types of SUP hardboards are there?
There are different types of hard SUP boards that differ in terms of their shape and riding characteristics. Here is an overview:
All-round:
These boards are best suited for beginners. They are particularly wide and therefore stable against tipping. Ideal for making your first SUP attempts.
Touring:
If you want to paddle long distances and enjoy exploring, you should opt for a touring SUP hardboard. The boards are characterized by their long shape and pointed nose.
Race:
There are race SUP boards for fast paddling. They are even longer and narrower than touring boards. As the boards are not very wide, they are unsuitable for beginners.
Surf:
There is a huge selection of SUP hardboards here, from shortboards to longboards. These boards have a more or less pronounced rocker, which is particularly useful for big waves.
Downwind:
A mixture of surf and race SUP boards.
Shape
The shape of the SUP hardboard is directly related to its type. However, there are various elements that influence the riding characteristics of the board.
The rocker:
Rocker is the bend of the board from the nose to the tail. The flatter the board, the faster it can be paddled on calm water.
Boards with more rocker paddle boards are used for SUP surfing as they are easier to maneuver. In addition, the rocker ensures that the nose doesn’t poke into the water in steep waves.
The Nose:
The tip of the board is called the nose, the wider it is, the more stable the board is. A thin nose improves the tracking of the board and makes it faster.
The tail
The tail is located at the rear end of the board and can take on many different shapes, especially on surf SUP hardboards. The most common are:
- Squash Tail: Makes the board maneuverable and ensures a good grip in the wave.
- Round Tail: Improves the guidance of the board, ideal for smooth and wide turns.
- Pin Tail: Provides grip in the wave, particularly suitable for large waves.
The rails:
The thickness of the rails affects the riding behavior of the board. The thicker these are, the more stable and less maneuverable the SUP hardboard becomes.
The outline:
This is what the outer line of the board is called. Narrow boards are only suitable for advanced and professional riders, as they are very maneuverable and unstable. Wide boards, on the other hand, are stable and easy to paddle.
Long boards run best in a straight line, while short boards are very maneuverable.
Material
The core of SUP hardboards is made of foam, usually polyethylene. This core is encased in a sheath made of fiberglass, wood or carbon and then sealed.
This gives the board a stiffness that most inflatable SUP boards can hardly match. Some of the boards are handmade, others are milled by machine.
Load capacity or recommended body weight
Hardboards have excellent buoyancy properties. At the same size, they have more buoyancy than inflatable paddle boards. It is often stated up to what body weight a board is suitable.
The manufacturer’s instructions should always be checked for this. Many hard SUP boards are available in different versions for different weight classes.
Finns
There is a much larger selection of paddle board fins for SUP hardboards than for most inflatable boards. The fins are selected according to the area of application.
You can find out more about paddle board fins here.
Portability
When it comes to portability, hard SUP boards can’t keep up with inflatable models. A lot of space is needed for transportation and storage, and without a car it is difficult to get the board to the nearest body of water.
Features
First of all, every SUP hardboard needs a non-slip pad on the surface.
While many manufacturers equip their inflatable SUP boards with as many useful or nonsensical features as possible, the same applies to hard SUP boards:
Less is more!
SUP hardboards only have the features that are really necessary. You won’t find a surf SUP board that is equipped with a luggage net.
Scope of delivery
SUP hardboards are rarely sold as a set. Why is that? Most buyers of hard SUP boards are advanced or professional riders who already have equipment or want to customize it to their exact requirements.
SUP hardboard care
To ensure that the SUP hardboard lasts as long as possible, it must be properly cared for. The following three tips should be followed:
- Never store the board in the sun. UV radiation makes the material soft and susceptible to damage.
- After use, rinse the board with fresh water and remove any dirt or salt water.
- Always transport in the board bag! Be careful with your hardboard, because even a slightly too hard knock against the garage wall can result in unsightly dings.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about SUP hardboards
What types of SUP hardboards are there?
Which SUP hardboard is the best?
How expensive are good SUP hardboards?
Where can you buy SUP hardboards?
What materials are SUP hardboards made of?
What is the best way to repair a SUP hardboard?
Are there SUP hardboards made of wood?
How much does a SUP hardboard weigh?
How to build a SUP hardboard yourself?
Can I also buy a used SUP hardboard?
Why are SUP hardboards so expensive?
What alternatives are there to SUP hardboards?
Is there a SUP hardboard test from Consumer Reports or Which??
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
Add comment